QuentsIROC

Hi guys, I'm Tony from WV.

I recently bought back the 86 IROC I sold 12 years ago, less an engine. The car shows just 8000 more miles on it now than it had when I sold it. The guy I sold it to spun a rod bearing, pulled the engine and let the car set, never reinstalling an engine back in it. It even has the same tires I put on it with ample tread but cracked from sitting out. He kept the engine.

My plans are to install a LS1 or LS2 engine and mate to a 6 speed. Original engine was a 305 4-barrel with a 5 speed tranny. I blew the bottom out of the 305 when I had it 14 years ago and replaced it with a 350 which, as I said, is gone. The 5 speed tranny is still in place and the guy said it worked fine when he pulled the engine.

I've also thought about upgrading seats to those from a newer car as those in it are all stained along with the carpet, which I'll also replace. The rest of the interior is in fairly good condition. The caps at the top of both doors are cracked, t-tops are okay, haven't really looked at head liner, dash has one small crack but not sure if warrants replacement at this point or not.

Driveability was great when I sold it and can't imagine much being worn within the 8000 miles that's been put on it since I sold it. I am, however, going to go through brakes which are front and rear disk, rear end, suspension, steering, etc. over time.

I've got the itch to get the car running and an engine in it first. I've scoured the internet and junk yards far and near. I've found a couple ls2's but more than what I'm wanting to spend. May drop back to an ls1 which I can get mated to a 6 speed for around $4 or $5K, complete with alt, power steering pump, a/c compressor, wiring harness, cpu, etc.

My questions for you, from any experiences out there installing the same in an IROC or 3rd generation Camaro, what problems did you encounter? what advice do you have? use original rear end? drive shaft?

Anybody know where I can pick up an ls2 and 6 speed for under 5K with less than 30,000 miles (no laughing please...haha.)??

I've got a little experience turning wrenches from when I owned this car before and subsequently restoring a 78 Ford 1/2 ton, but by no means consider myself a mechanic.

I appreciate everybody's help and advice. Please share your experiences!

1320

iTrader: (6)

I would wait on the rearend. Worse case, is you break a piece of junk. It will probably last a year or better, unless your first stop is a drag strip with sticky tires.

I wouldnt worry about an ls2 persay. There are lots of good engines esspecially if your on a budget. An iron block 6.0 from a truck is the one to get. Same as the ls2, lots less money. I see most of them for around 1000 now. In the last 5 days I know a guy that picked one up for 300 off craigslist.

I would use.....

1. a megaquirt 2, and either go with the ls1 coils and alterations to the ms2 or just get a msd carb ignition box to go with the ms2. About 750-800 bucks total for fuel and ignition control.
2. a k member. Besides dropping weight, you can get one with ls mounts. Mine was in the 850$ area, but that was with a strut spring conversion, lower a arms. Makes it easier o work on too.
3. Figure...1200 for 6.0. 300 for a cam, 100 for springs, 1200 for a t56, 400 for clutch, 300 for a driveshaft, 850 for pcm and fuel and ignition control, 1000 for front suspension(k member) . Those are the big items. Put in a decent cam, the 6.0 can take it, (i d go with atleast 230's duration), I ve done several actually, and for a street car 233/237 is nice or anything close. I d just watch the fs forum. Same with springs.

The rear, do a 9 inch later when its needed, with a factory 4 pinion posi and 31 spine axles. Dont worry about the case, any 9 inch case will live forever, just get 3.70's or 4.10's if your gonna stay NA.

If you ever want more power swap some l92 heads and l76 intake on for 1500.

The Crazy Sweed

iTrader: (1)

Sounds like an awesome project! My friend is about to do the same on his '89 Iroc in 1 year or so.


Sams like you can finde ls2 engines on Ebay for decent prices.

EnfuegoZ28

I am interested in doing the same swap. Check out Speartech they have alot of good info on what is needed to do an LS swap in a 3rd gen. Also check out 3rdgen.org

BAT TA

iTrader: (15)

Gotta love an LSX thirdgen. I'm planning on putting an LS1 in my 91 rs. What part of WV are you from?

1991Firebird

Do you still have the original 5 speed from the car and is it a World Class ?? If so I may be intrested.

lowerthanyou00

iTrader: (8)

hi, me n my friend are stuffin a ls1 into a 91 right now, we originally started with a ls2, but in order to make the ls2 work in there you have to have the camaro pan on it. I dont know if the accessories are different on a gto but ul need the camaro ones inorder to clear the body and steering. I would recommend just gettin a ls1, u can find em on here which i recommend, try to find a 01-02 camaro one. Or just find some dumbass that rolled his z28 and will sell you his engine and harness for 900 haha. You can find a bunch on info on thirdgen.org(better than 3rdgen.org for conversion info) for the conversion. Good Luck man

MattIROC

iTrader: (19)

Nice to see some IROC owners out there with the itch

If I ever decide to turn my IROC into a DD again, I would love for my friend to mock up a turbo setup along with a built ls1 I just need to change the gears out, figure out a tranny setup, and the motor setup. Everything else is in place. I wish the funds were available!

Thule

awesome project! get some pics!

stoning_volcom

iTrader: (6)

i think it sounds good, i got the same thing going on i have a 90 formula i am swapping a ls1/t56 into. got the motor the other day and the crank is bad so,....... yea you should deff get some pics seeing other people pulling the same thing helps ALOT! well good luck to ya an like we have said GET SOME PICS WOOT WOOT!

joblo1978

iTrader: (14)

LS1 swap is more common and easily resourced.

I recently helped a buddy replace his 305 with a 383 crate engine.

We also retrofitted the TBI to a FIRST TPI.

Man was it alot of work, still in progress and doing other things.

NemeSS

iTrader: (127)

pix of said ROC
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